THE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE - PART 2

FRIDAY 17 DECEMBER 2021

Every born again Christian is called according to God's purpose, which means that purpose is quite important to God. Moreover, its one thing to be called according to God's purpose and its another thing to live out the great purpose. To live it out, we must fully submit to the Lordship of Christ and live to the glory of God by functioning as His workmanship according to Ephesians 2:10. Today, we are going to gain insight into this very purpose for which God has called us and why He works everything together for us in line with His purpose.

Reference: Romans 8:28 New International Version (NIV) "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

What is the definition of God's purpose?: It is found in the next verse: Romans 29:30 - "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified." This is a clear picture of God's purpose for us, as born again Christians. In the book of Ephesians, Paul called it "the purpose of God's will" (Ephesians 1:11 NIV). And for God, it is a process which entails:

1. Foreknowledge - In Greek lexicon, foreknowledge is the word, "Proginosko". It is to have knowledge before hand, which means that God foreknew those who are already saved and those yet to be saved. He is aware of everyone who came to Christ even before they did so.

2. The predestined - To predestinate is the Greek word, "proorizó", which is to predetermine, foreordain, or to mark out beforehand.

Now the difference between foreknowledge and predestination is that foreknowledge (proginosko) is a mind knowledge. God had the new creation in mind before the foundation of the world or creation.

On the other hand, to predestinate (proorizó), which is to foreordain, means, to make, design or select carefully beforehand, in a practical manner and with a particular purpose in mind. It's like someone who has in mind (foreknow) to build a house, and then he goes ahead to hire an architect to design the building at a technical level, which is to "predestinate".

3. "The called" is the product of God's foreknowledge and predestination. They are the ones elected according to God's purpose. The nature of this purpose is divine, not earthly, which means that our calling is heavenly. No wonder Hebrews 3:1 says, "Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession: Jesus" (NASB).

Now since we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose, then we must live according His purpose, not any other purpose. This is because He works everything together for us, in conformity with His purpose. That's exactly what Ephesians 1:11 explains, "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will" (NIV).

The easiest way for all things to work together for your good is to submit to God's will in all things. Jesus said, "For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will" (John 6:38 NLT). No matter your desire and personal aspiration, if you follow God's will and purpose for you in everything, the result will always surpass the expectations that come with your own will and aspiration over time. 1 John 2:17 (ESV) says, "And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Jeremiah 32:19; Psalm 33:11; Isaiah 46:10; Luke 7:30; Acts 2:22-23; 1 Peter 2:9.

Exuberant Declaration: It is a matter of unspeakable joy that God has a great plan for my life which is being executed according to His purpose. I've embraced and held fast to the conviction that God always works all things together in my favour in order to further His great cause in my world. Therefore, as I submit to His perfect will in all things, I'm strategically positioned to accomplish His purpose for my life, regardless of the apparent disorders and uncertainty in this present world. Blessed be God!